This is the story of a race from Singapore to Canton between two barques, The Forest of Arden and The Firefly. Both ships carry cargoes of the finest opium and the first there will make the best prices. On board the Arden are two women, Anne Mackenzie, the daughter of Sir Gordon Mackenzie, who is bound for Canton; and Shen Ti, who was kidnapped from an opium den. Only after sailing was it discovered that she was a girl. Abner, the Arden skipper, puts into the Parcel Islands to carry out repairs, following a battle with The Firefly.
But they run into trouble from threatening natives and from mutiny. However, with Anne’s help, Abner gets the Arden under way, makes a deal with a native ruffian, and is able to head for Macao-and happiness.

A rousing tale of the South China Seas in the days of sail, SINGAPORE PASSAGE is spiced with piracy, mutiny, treachery, and tough fighting, through which also runs the thread of high romance.